Sunday opening hours for supermarkets in Britain, including Asda, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Aldi, could be overhauled under plans being considered by the Treasury, however said changed are receiving opposition from Nigel Farage’s Reform Party.
As it stands, small shops which are under 280sqm can operate on Sundays without any restrictions from the Government under the Sunday Trading Act. Larger shops, which are often large supermarkets, must open for a maximum of six hours between 10am and 6pm, except on Easter Sunday.
It is understood the Treasury is exploring the possibility of reviewing Sunday trading legislation as part of a wider overhaul impacting business rates and retail support measures.
This comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves looks for ways to bolster the economy with high street revitalisation being key to the Labour Government’s agenda since returning to power.
Reform has hit back at potential changes to Sunday trading hours
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However, Reform leadership has taken a firm stance against modifying current Sunday shopping regulations, following reports of Treasury discussions about potential reforms.
Richard Tice MP, the party’s deputy leader, told the Express: “I remain opposed to changing the Sunday trading laws as they currently are. They have existed for decades, and I see no reason to change them.”
The insurgent party’s board member Gawain Towler echoed this position, arguing that alterations would damage smaller retailers without delivering economic benefits.
“It won’t boost the economy. It will just make life harder for smaller businesses,” Mr Towler said, emphasising that existing regulations have achieved an appropriate equilibrium.
The Chancellor is understood to have considered making changes to Sunday trading laws
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PASpeculation over potential reforms emerged after a senior Treasury source told The Grocer that the concept of “looking again” at existing laws had been discussed, though they stressed there were “no firm plans” currently in place.
The source shared: “It makes sense to change outdated Sunday trading laws to drive economic growth. Business rates are equally outdated so you can see why the government wants to reform them.
“This change might mean they can get a higher rate over the line as well as providing consumers with more choice.”
Since these reports surfaced, a spokesperson for the Treasury stated: “This pro-business government is creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment, and level the playing field and we intend to introduce a permanently lower business rates multiplier for retail properties from next year.
Notably, the spokesperson added that “the Government does not intend to make changes to Sunday trading rules”.
Mr Towler expressed scepticism about the Government’s assurances, questioning their reliability on policy commitments.
Referencing Mr Tice’s potential future role should Reform win the next General Election, he added: “How many times have we heard that? I have great confidence in my Chancellor of the Exchequer.”
The board member highlighted that larger retailers already possess significant competitive benefits, arguing that present arrangements strike a “reasonable balance” between consumer convenience and protecting independent shops.
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Changes to Sunday trading laws could drastically reform the high street
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PAHe stressed that while shoppers maintain adequate access to stores, the current system avoids placing “another pressure on small businesses.”
Critics of potential reforms argue that extended hours would impact workers’ family time and rest periods, whilst creating unfair pressure on independent retailers.
Supporters of change point to economic stagnation and suggest current rules fail to reflect contemporary shopping habits and societal shifts.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil major changes to the tax regime, and potential trading law reforms, during her Autumn Budget statement on November 26.